Instructions for Bulk Packaged Materials
These directions will make 1 gallon each of Calcium, Alkalinity, and Magnesium solution.
- 3 clean one gallon jugs with caps
- 3 gallons of RO/DI or filtered water
- Magic marker for labeling containers
- Clean 1 gallon (or larger) bucket or bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Household measuring cup
Mixing the Solutions
Measure out 2 1/2 household measuring cups of Crystalline Calcium Chloride Dihydrate and add to a one gallon jug.
Fill this jug about 4/5th with RO/DI water, secure cap and shake until dissolved
Fill the remainder of the jug with RO/DI or filtered water
Label "Calcium" and let sit for several hours before use
*Note* Mixing the alkalinity portion directly in the jug is more difficult to dissolve and may result in clumps forming at the bottom. If clumps occur warm the jug in a sink of hot water and shake vigorously.
Fill one of the gallon jugs about 4/5th with RO/DI or filtered water and pour into the empty bucket or bowl
Measure out two level cups of Soda Ash.
While stirring the water slowly pour the Soda Ash into the bucket or bowl.
When dissolved use the funnel to pour the solution into one of the empty gallon jugs
Fill the remainder of the jug with water, cap and label "Alkalinity." Let the solution sit for several hours before use
Add 5 level cups of Magnesium Chloride and 3 level cupfuls of Magnesium Sulfate to a one gallon jug.
Fill this jug about 4/5th with RO/DI or filtered water, cap and shake until dissolved.
Fill the remainder of the jug with water, cap and label "Magnesium." Let the solution sit for several hours before use.
Dosing 2 Part
Test calcium, alkalinity and magnesium levels and adjust to correct points, as needed. Levels must be at the right points before beginning daily dosing. Use the BRS Reef Calculator during this step.
*Spread the recommended adjusting doses out over a few days to avoid shocking the system. Be sure to dose each solution separately and slowly to high flow areas of the tank. This is especially important when dosing the Alkalinity portion of Recipe 1 as a temporary increase in pH will occur.*
When dosing Alkalinity white flakes or a cloud may appear. This is normal and happens because the solution is highly concentrated. It will dissipate as the solution spreads throughout the tank. Just be sure to add the dose slowly to a high flow area.
Determine the daily dose by starting with the table below. Calcium and Alkalinity will be dosed daily in equal amounts.
Add doses of Calcium and Alkalinity separately and slowly to high flow areas of the tank.
After a few days of dosing retest Calcium and Alkalinity levels. If levels are not on target adjust the dose up or down. It may take some trial and error to get this part dialed in.
Once the dose is dialed in continue daily dosing until the gallon jugs of Calcium and Alkalinity are finished. At this point it is time to dose 20oz of the Magnesium solution. This can be done entirely in one dose just remember to add slowly to a high flow area of the tank.
It is OK to dose the Magnesium portion in multiple doses instead of one dose at the end. If you opt to do this, just keep to the following ratio: 20oz of Magnesium solution for every 1 gallon of Calcium and Alkalinity. (20oz Magnesium:1 gallon Calcium:1 gallon Alkalinity)
Recommended Starting Points for Daily Dosing
Predominately LPS and soft corals
A few hard SPS corals or clams
Numerous full sized SPS